This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
10/23/2012 11:00 AMGlen (Smiley) Reilly, 60, of Island Pond, Vermont, formerly of Northford, died on Oct. 21, surrounded by his family. He was the loving husband of Cheryl Perrella Reilly and the son of the late Francis Reilly and Shirley Harvey Reilly, formerly of East Haven. Glen was always willing to help anyone.
Glen attended East Haven Schools and had worked for Chippeo Bus and the PCG Service Center as a mechanic. He had also owned and operated Glen’s Auto for 33 years and the Northford Food Mart for 23 years with his wife Cheryl until they retired in 2004. In addition, he worked at Fred’s Propane in Newport, Vermont.
In the ‘70s and ‘80s, Glen enjoyed being a member of the Connecticut Streetrod Association, traveling all over with his T-Buckets, Model A, and 34 Coupe. In the 1990s to around 2003, his dream came true, and he raced at Riverside Park in a Strictly Stock No. 99. When Riverside Park closed, he raced a Late Model at the Waterford Speedbowl in the No. 09 and No. 99. He was always competing with his wife Cheryl about who was a better racecar driver (she raced Mini Stock No. 99).
Glen’s joy for racing was once again fulfilled when his three grandchildren began racing Quarter Midgets at Silver City in Meriden, starting three years ago. He was the crew chief, and the most competitive member of their crew!
Glen also enjoyed snowmobiling with his friends and family for many years.
Glen spent every moment he could with his grandchildren. They put a smile on his face everyday, and he adored them.
Glen and his family are very grateful to the endless family members and friends who called and visited him in his final weeks. Glen’s family also thanks the Homecare Hospice Staff for their loving care in his final days. www.northhavenfuneral.com
Besides his wife, Glen is survived by his devoted daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Dennis Bozzuto. He was a devoted and proud grandfather to his three grandchildren, Austin (Buddy), Dilan (Buddy) and Lacey (his Little Girl). He is also survived by his siblings, Elizabeth (Betty) and Paul Gertsch and their children, Paul and Scott, Francis (Frank) and Debbie Reilly, Robin and Rich Pollock and their children, Tori and Cameron, and Nicholas Reilly and his children, Angelica and Elizabeth; his foster brother, Steve Olander; and his dog Snickers, who stayed by his side. Family and friends are invited to go directly to Northford Cemetery, Foote Hill Rd., Northford, on Wednesday, Oct. 24, at 9:30 a.m., to attend a graveside funeral service, officiated by The Rev. Edward Cornell. Visiting hours will be Tuesday, Oct. 23, from 4 to 8 p.m., at the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Ave., North Haven. Memorial contributions may be made to the Silver City Quarter Midget Club (non-profit youth racing organization), c/o Dawn LaBella, 51 Tomlinson Ave., Plainville, CT 06062, which was near and dear to Glen’s heart.